Interesting research that suggests our actions are all determined subconsciously and conscious logic does little good.

Interesting research that suggests our actions are all determined subconsciously and conscious logic does little good.

The article is here and my one sentence conclusion may be a little harsh or simplistic. However, our brains are much more complex and useful than this research appears to suggest. God made our brains to be controlable by use -- we are admonished in Romans 12:1-2 to renew our minds so that we may think and act as a Christian. The purpose of this mental renew is to apply the "law of Christ" to our daily actions.

Such an effort would be both a conscious and a subconscious action. We are told to make a specific effort to change our actions.At the same time, the overall conclusions of the Scriptures is that if we practice a particular act often enough it becomes a habit and we will continue to repeat the action subconsciously.

How does this carry over into the realm of decisions? I believe decisions are made based upon two foundations. One is a moral strucutre that has been corrupted by sin. When we are saved this moral structure may be renewed and cleaned-up by focusing upon Christ and the Scriptures. The other foundation is simply the experiences of life and our knowledge of the consequences of certain acts or type of acts.

Admittedly I am no expert in psychiatry or related fields. But, as we draw upon our combined moral base and experience, we learn how to filter our decisions. Initially this must be a very conscious effort as we fight the effects of sin in an effort to overcome evil with love. As time passes we learn to make these proper decisions at a less conscious level. God continues to help us make these decisions and the Holy Spirit guides our thought mechanisms, when we allow Him this grace.

So, the research is interesting, but I have to ask, why did they undertake the research to commence with? What was their purpose? What benefit does it provide?

My Bible tells me the subconscious is God's realm and if I rely upon Him my decisions will be proper and good, whether I have knowingly thought through a problem or if I am reacting upon "instinct," for my instinct is the Holy Spirit, and yo9u can't get any better than that!

Jim A.